Adam Gilchrist’s suggestion that the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series was a waste of time and harmful to Australia’s World Cup preparations was hooked for six by Cricket Australia’s chief executive yesterday.

Gilchrist’s view that the transtasman series, which New Zealand sealed with their second win in Auckland on Sunday, was that it was harmful to Australia’s World Cup prospects.

“I’m going to be brutally honest here and say I don’t think too many people wanted it on at all,” Gilchrist told Fox Sports’ Inside Cricket television programme.

Craig McMillan led the charge as New Zealand won a thriller in Hamilton to complete a series whitewash over Australia.
Matthew Hayden amassed the best ever score by an Australian in one-day internationals as he finished unbeaten on 181, with the tourists posting an imposing total of 346 for five.

Brian Lara feels that playing the World Cup in the West Indies could work against his side due to the added pressure.

Sourav Ganguly is keen to focus on his bowling after making a resounding comeback to India’s one-day squad with the bat against Sri Lanka.

Manchester United face a big task convincing Henrik Larsson to stay beyond the end of his initial loan period from Helsingborgs.

Ronaldinho believes Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has the ability to dent Barcelona’s bid to hold onto the UEFA Champions League this season.